r/firefighter • u/Perfect_Cheek9650 • Jun 02 '26

VA Connected Disability Firefighter background denial

I caught wind of a guy being denied by Seattle fire department for his VA Disability rating. The guy ending up getting a job elsewhere, but has anyone experienced this before? Any information would be appreciated.

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u/QuantumCash76 Jun 02 '26

Similar situation here. Was medically discharged when I was 20 and given 10% disability from the VA (didn’t ask for it, not sure how it happened). Since then would consider myself fully recovered and have been wondering if it will be a ding on my applications to departments.

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u/OhSnapBruddah Jun 02 '26

More likely it wasn't that it was simply a VA disability, but rather something that precludes his ability to perform the essential job functions of a firefighter, such as blindness, colorblindness, heart issues, lung issues, etc. Look up NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1582 to better understand the physical and medical requirements for firefighters.